Atlantic Weekender 2020 Review

There are not many choices on the market when all you need is a fully equipped full-size 13-foot caravan. The few smaller vans around the 13-foot size are generally pop-top entry-level models (and often rear-door entry) that focus on being cheap and cheerful.

Yet Melbourne manufacturer Atlantic Caravans has recognised a market for a fully equipped, full-size (as in full height) ensuite caravan with all the gear inside and out. With its aptly named Weekender model, solar capacity (150watts), ample water and gas,, a large fridge, and luxuries like reverse-cycle air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV are all on the standard menu.

While the Atlantic Weekender reviewed here has a two-berth ensuite layout (with the dinette converting to a third bed), there are two other configurations available: a rear-door two-berth ensuite floorplan, and a four-berth family bunk model (with no ensuite).

Light off-road tourer

While the Atlantic Weekender appears to have the hallmarks of being an off-road van with its checker plate body protection, well-protected underpinnings and independent suspension, it's probably best described as a semi off-road van in standard trim given the 50mm ball coupling and relatively low ground clearance (and a low-slung battery box behind the offside wheel).

If you're after a more off-road focussed van, there are more heavy-duty independent suspensions, a larger wheel/tyre package and a couple of off-road coupling choices available on the Weekender options list.

While the Weekender is quite wide at around 2.3 metres, it's relatively short so the cut-in when towing is not as much of a problem as with a longer van, and van storage at home is a bit easier. The Atlantic towed very well behind the Toyota Prado we used, with relatively supple suspension and balanced demeanor.

Outside storage

The large black checkerplate front toolbox and checker plate body protection gives the Weekender a suitably tough look, as does the matt composite body cladding and bright graphics. The black toolbox might look cool, but can get hot to the touch on a sunny day. Would a lighter colour be more practical, perhaps?

The toolbox is a good size, however, with an off-side slide-out for a generator and ample storage on the partitioned nearside section. There's also a lockable, dust-sealed access hatch on each side, and a gas-strut lift-up top hatch (again, dust sealed) to grab gear out from the top. There’s also a jerry holder on both sides of the toolbox.

Two 9k gas bottles sit on the A-frame, close to a water tap with checker plate stone protection. The AL-KO jockey wheel is positioned in the centre on a cross brace, allowing ample space on the longitudinal A-frame beams for weight distribution hitch mounting brackets if required.

There's also a tunnel boot accessed by a lockable, dust-sealed hatch on either side, although half the space is taken up by the slide-out kitchen when stored for travel. Further down the offside wall are two lockable filler points for the two 95-litre water tanks, a 240volt access plug and the lockable hatch for the Dometic toilet cassette.

The rear wall is quite simple, with a spare wheel mounted on a galvanised black-painted bumper.

Enjoying the fresh air

As mentioned, on the nearside wall starting at the front is a slide-out Swift Alfresco kitchen (with large LED strip light housed above), followed by one of two external audio speakers, a coach light and handle combo, two-piece Dometic Columbia security entry door, and the other audio speaker.

There’s another LED strip light towards the rear, plus 240v/USB/aux outlets, a TV mounting point and aerial connection. A 10-foot wide, roll-out awning completes a well-equipped outside living area.

The slide-out kitchen offers a simple cooking arrangement with a barbeque, sink and mixer tap and a large food prep space included. All you need to do once the kitchen is pulled out is plug in the water and gas connections.

On the example we reviewed, the mixer tap was only a temporary fitment due to supply issues, and so didn't quite clear the side wall. Now supply problems have eased, Atlantic has assured us that the correct tap will be fitted and there won't be any clearance issues.

Compact but comfy interior living

The interior fit-out is easy to get into, with a simple fold-out step and a strong handle mounted just inside the door on the right if you need it.

The layout is similar to those you often see in larger vans; that is, an east-west queen-size bed up front; two-seater dinette and bench space/fridge in the middle and a rear ensuite.

While the bright white interior walls add to a cheery ambience, it would be nice to have another window up front next to the bed. While you can’t expect everything at this pricepoint and size, it would also be nice to have some sort of cooking facility inside for when the weather turns nasty.

However, there's plenty of inside storage available in what is a pretty compact layout. Lockers above the bed and a hanging cupboard on the front nearside wall should fit most clothing needs, while there's additional storage space under the bed, accessed via a hatch.

Despite being a short caravan, the bed itself is quite wide and therefore easier to get in to than some east-west bed arrangements we've seen in similar size vans. Instead of crawling over your partner,  there’s some floor space at the foot of the bed to make things easier.

The dinette is a flexible space, thanks mainly to the multi-adjustable table. It can be easily adjusted to allow more walk-though space to the rear of the van or provide ample space to slide around into the seat. There are two storage lockers above the dinette, one of which houses the displays for electrical items and water tank gauges.

Opposite the dinette is a small bench with cupboard space underneath, and large 182 litre fridge/freezer alongside – again, with cupboards above and below. More storage space can be found in a floor to ceiling cupboard between the dinette and ensuite.

Spacious bathroom

You might expect that an ensuite in a 13-foot van would be cramped but that’s not the case here – there's more than enough room for ablution requirements.

The Dometic cassette toilet is located on the offside, with a vanity unit fitted between the offside wall and shower cubicle on the nearside. There's ample storage available here too, with open racks at each end of the vanity and a two-door cupboard in the middle. A large mirror takes up a big chunk of the rear wall.

Summing up

The Atlantic Weekender is a very interesting take on the compact, luxury caravan. With an ATM nearing 2.4 tonnes it's no lightweight, so you’ll most likely need a big 4WD to tow it with. And some buyers will be put off by the outside-only cooking option, and bigger van pricing.

But for a 13ft van, it's laden with just about all the features and storage space you’ll need for short and not so short getaways.

How much does the Atlantic Weekender cost?

Price: $54,490
Travel length: 6495mm
Body length (open length): 4235mm
External body width: 2270mm
Travel height: 2825mm
Interior height: 1910mm
Tare weight: 1925kg
ATM: 2325kg
Ball weight: 220kg
Body: Timber frame, composite cladding
Chassis: 50x150mm box section steel
Suspension: Dexter Torflex independent with coil springs
Brakes: 12in electric
Stability Control: Optional
Wheels: 15in alloy with 235/75R15 tyres
Fresh water: 2 x 95L
Battery: 1 x 100A/h AGM
Solar: 150watt panel
Air-conditioner: Dometic Ibis 4
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Hot water: Swift gas/electric 28L
Cooking: External slide-out stainless steel kitchen, 2-burner hotplate BBQ, sink
Fridge: Dometic 182L three-way fridge/freezer
Microwave: No
Toilet: Dometic cassette
Shower: Separate cubicle
Lighting: 12v LED
TV: 24in LED TV/DVD
Options fitted: None
Supplied by: Parravans Caravan World, Windsor NSW
More info: Atlantic Caravans